St. Lucia gov't speaking on diplomatic relationships

Amid growing debate on St. Lucia’s future relations with Taiwan, External Affairs Minister Alva Baptiste has declared his government will align with countries best suited to the island’s development.

The Kenny Anthony administration served notice of its plan to undertake a review of the island’s foreign policy in its throne speech delivered on January 5.

Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy has announced that a Committee would be set up with a view toward making recommendations to the Cabinet on an alignment that is more sensitive to present day realities.

Last week, the business sector weighed in on the matter, although it stopped short of declaring support for either China or Taiwan.

In a statement, Executive Director of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Brian Louisy called for rational debate on the matter.

He stressed that key stakeholders should be involved in the talks given the economic impact any decision is likely to have.